Brian Schmit

About Brian Schmit

I help turn ideas into manufacturable, profitable product lines.Over the last 20+ years across toys, board games, collectibles, and consumer products, I’ve led work that spans:• Shaping product and line strategy for games and fan-focused brands• Working with external creators, studios, and licensors to evaluate, refine, and advance concepts• Translating creative pitches into clear direction for design, engineering, sourcing, and marketing• Navigating constraints around cost, manufacturability, and retail while still protecting the core idea• Building long-term partnerships where everyone understands the “why,” not just the contractThrough Bippi Inc, I advise companies and creators on product strategy, licensing, and bringing new IP-driven products to market. As Chief Product Officer at Rollacrit, I’ve overseen tabletop and fandom-focused product development, from early concepts and prototypes through approvals, manufacturing, and launch.At the University of Illinois, I teach innovation and entrepreneurship, focusing on user empathy, experimentation, and the messy stages between “good idea” and “real-world execution.” Coaching students and teams has become a big part of how I stay connected to what’s next.Across all of this, I’m most engaged when I’m:• Working collaboratively on IP or story-driven products• Connecting creative people with the structures and support they need to succeed• Using market and player insight to decide what to pursue and how it should live in the worldBased in Illinois, I’m used to working with distributed teams and traveling for key partner meetings, shows, and line reviews.

Experience

1. Chief Product Officer

   Rollacrit

   Apr 2022 — Present · Champaign, IL, US

   Led full product lifecycle for licensed and original consumer products; focus on profitable growth through market alignment and lean execution. Created a strategic product line for Gen Con merchandise through detailed analysis of Gen Con demographics and the current retail environment, resulting in a 45% increase in sales.Worked with a cross-functional team to develop a strategic line plan for the Bag of Holding, including advanced product features and accessories for direct-to-consumer and retail sales.Spearheaded art direction, development, and production of over 100 licensed and unlicensed global products.Achieved a 25% cost reduction within 12 months through budget optimization, renegotiation of production contracts, and tracking of annual expenses.Implemented scheduling and project management strategies, resulting in a 20% improvement to on-time product delivery.Acted as advisor and subject-matter expert on independent and mass market retail strategies.

Education

• Southern Illinois University, Carbondale

  BFA, Industrial Design

  1990 — 1995